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Sitting next to me was a top campaign insider, a key Obama supporter from the beginning. We talked about the strengths and weaknesses of his candidate, and what he may be up against.

Yes, he was smart and driven. He had the ideas, the intellect, the message and the personality. But was he too cool? Too dispassionate? Too quick to compromise? Would he exhibit the toughness necessary as president?

“Don’t you worry,” the insider told me. “He’s from Chicago. He’ll be tough enough. And, besides, we have an army of ‘righteous gangstas’ to back him up.”

Now where are those “righteous gangstas” when he needs them?

For the past year, the administration has tried to push through the most significant change in the U.S. health care system since the creation of Medicare in 1965. And for the past year, they have largely been stymied.

Yet, after months of debate, he was able to get the House and Senate to pass historic bills at the end of 2009. Then he lost his filibuster-proof majority in the Senate (not that it ever really existed in the first place), and the two chambers have been stuck, unable to muster enough political momentum to reconcile their differences.

It’s now time to get unstuck.

It’s time for those Democrats in Congress to put up or shut up. History will mark this moment as either the rebirth of the modern Democratic Party, or the moment of its final demise.

Now let’s not forget, the president should have had the numbers. In the House, the Democrats have a solid majority 253-178 (216 votes are needed for passage). And they control the Senate 59-41. So, with one of the largest Democratic majorities in modern history, why have they been running around like wimps?

Meanwhile, the Republicans made no secret about their intent to make this issue Obama’s Waterloo — “I’m doing everything I can to prevent this bill from becoming law, plain and simple,” House Republican leader John Boehner proudly declared this week — and have whipped up fears on the Hill that the voters will send a message come November.

On this, they may be dead-on. If the Democrats fail to pass health care now, then they all should fear for their jobs come election time. Elections do have consequences.

And, in the progressive media? Virtual crickets …

While right-wing radio, Fox News and scores of conservative Web sites have not held back in their united scorn for the president — he’s been simultaneously called a communist and fascist, compared to Hitler and Lenin and The Borg — liberal radio goes at him for not being enough of a lefty?

Instead, they should be aggressively blocking for their quarterback, even throwing a few elbows. You are his offensive line. Make a hole. It’s time to score.

To be fair, the administration hasn’t done itself any favors. At key intersections, they have appeared to back down against pathetic resistance from Republicans and conservative Democrats.

Obama got played during the early health care debates in the Senate, going through contortions to appeal to Sens. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., or Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, only for some of them to later vote against the bill. He then allowed conserva-Dems like Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., to hold the final bill hostage while trying to force language to restrict abortions, or Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who now wants to block it because it doesn’t contain language covering illegal immigrants.

Now, compare this to the previous White House occupant. In his first term, George W. Bush, buoyed by public fear, skyrocketing approval ratings and congressional momentum following 9/11, ran the tables on the Democrats.

His Republican-controlled Congress had a (slim) majority, but they knew what to do with it. They passed bill after bill — tax cuts, warrantless wiretapping, the creation of the “big government” Department of Homeland Security — and didn’t stop to ask questions.

At every turn, Republicans had his back, while the best the Democrats could say was “Thank you, Sir, may I have another?”

Remember, Bush had his gangstas. Cheney, Rove, Limbaugh and DeLay were all out with machetes, chopping down the jungle ahead of him. And, a year after he’s out of office, they are still out there, swinging the axes on behalf of their old boss. Now, Obama is their tree.

This week, Obama is out working the stump in his last, best push for health care reform, doing what he does best: connecting with the people. But meanwhile, where are his dogs, his loud, vocal, full-throated soldiers in this fight?

In the 2008 elections, it was clear that the country wanted change (remember those consequences that come with elections?).

They had expected to see health care reform — and they meant true reform, not just full employment for lobbyists and insurance executives. They expected banking oversight, consumer protection legislation, a jobs bill and education reform all to get pushed through Congress in his first term.

Sure, they knew the Republicans would try to delay, derail and deny them at every turn. But, heck, that’s what they do. Meanwhile, the Democrats had a majority. They were going to be unstoppable!

Instead, unless they can get it together in the next few days, they will have been stopped. Cold. On the one-yard line.

So, who’s got Obama’s back? Who is out there full-throated, loudly, actively pushing his agenda, up in the face of his opponents? Who is playing the axman?

This week, we will see. Democrats, it’s time to step up. It’s time to unleash the “righteous gangstas” and get this country moving again.

History is watching.

[Repost from AOL News — Ed.]

Travis M. Powers, Senior Executive, Partner, Escendent, LLC

Travis Powers is the first to admit business success is all about relationships.

While many small companies try unsuccessfully for years to nab large contracts, Powers’ human-capital-management and technology services company won a government assignment one month after it opened its doors in 2003, thanks to a personal contact, Powers said.

Seven years later, Powers’ contact has left the government, but Escendent LLC, the firm Powers co-founded, still has government work, plus contracts with major corporations.

“More than targeting the clients, what we’ve done is leverage relationships,” Powers said.

With an 85 percent annual growth rate and a target of $7.5 million in revenue this year, Escendent is growing five times faster than the average minority-owned firm, according to U.S. Census data. Often, startups are turned down for corporate or government contracts because they lack capacity. But without large-scale work, it’s difficult for the business to move to the next level. It can become a vicious cycle.

“Unless you are connected to agencies and part of a network, it is difficult to navigate the process,” said Shelia Hill, president and chief executive at the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council.

The council strives to break down barriers by facilitating relationships between minority businesses and corporations looking to do business with them, Hill said. The group also certifies minority businesses, a key step for them in landing contracts. It also holds diversity fairs, which bring corporations together with minority entrepreneurs.

Many corporations want to boost the number of women- and minority-owned firms they do business with, but don’t know how to find and vet them. As the nation’s minority population grows, corporations are realizing the importance of diversifying not just their work force but also their supplier base, said Leonard McLaughlin, president of Aon Cornerstone Innovative Solutions, a strategic initiative of giant Aon Corp. dedicated to partnering with minority businesses.

Aon launched the initiative in April to help its corporate clients meet supplier diversity goals by connecting them with qualified minority businesses in risk-management and consulting sectors.

In late January, it announced a partnership with Magic Johnson Enterprises to help identify minority businesses well suited for the initiative. To be considered, minority businesses should have $3 million in annual revenue, at least three client-services employees, a business plan forecasting the next three to five years, connections with Fortune 2000 companies and business values similar to Aon’s, such as ethics, innovation and providing value to clients, McLaughlin said.

Aon Cornerstone provides training and mentoring for minority businesses in the program, plus backup support to help them qualify for large contracts. Ultimately, the initiative should spur job growth as the minority firms expand to keep up with new corporate demand.

“We have a platform and plan to create wealth for minorities and jobs in the community,” McLaughlin said.

“Doors are being closed on minority businesses on a daily basis by the Fortune 2000 because they don’t feel they have the (necessary) scope or scale. Now, the closed door becomes an open door because they can see there’s this relationship with Aon.”

Research shows teaming with a larger partner is one way to for small businesses to boost their success rates, said Ivonne Cunarro, chief knowledge officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.

“Minority businesses should consider strategic alliances to grow” and access capital and larger contracts, Cunarro said.

Connecting with Aon has been invaluable, said Powers, whose firm is part of the Cornerstone program. But Powers, who is on the board of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, also partners with other minority enterprises to offer clients a broader array of services.

Beyond that, Escendent is participating in Accenture Corp.’s Diverse Supplier Development program, an 18-month executive-mentoring program that helps minority businesses gain insight into Accenture’s needs and way of doing business.

“We’ve gained visibility from Accenture,” which is Escendent’s longest-standing corporate client, Powers said.

What counts more than minority status is fulfilling clients’ needs, he said. “You have to understand your relevance.”

Minority certification will only take you so far, said James Cabrera, president and chief executive of United Building Maintenance Inc., a certified minority enterprise based in Carol Stream.

“Our success is knowing our business and knowing the market,” he said.

Cabrera got his first break while attending a business opportunity fair that the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council offers each year. He pitched his cleaning service to an executive at Commonwealth Edison who had trouble keeping good cleaning contractors. Cabrera recalls that the executive told him, “‘You’ll be one of the ones who come and go,’” to which Cabrera replied, “Oh, yeah?”

United Building Maintenance still has the utility as a customer, Cabrera said. It has added AT&T, BP and United Airlines as well.

With $24 million in annual sales and 1,000 workers, including Cabrera’s three grown children, United Building Maintenance has grown not just by adding clients but also by expanding its offerings to provide “bundled services,” he said.

Cabrera, who previously worked in marketing and management for Illinois Bell, launched the company in 1979, offering janitorial services. It has since added painting, snowplowing and landscaping, as well as heating, air conditioning and electrical services for Fortune 500 corporations.

After clients kept asking whether United Building Maintenance provided landscaping, “I got tired of saying no,” Cabrera said.

While the climb has been steady during the past 31 years, Cabrera takes nothing for granted. He emphasizes quality throughout the company and focuses on meeting customers’ needs.

“Part of it is survival,” he said. “In a nutshell, we’ve been very fortunate. It’s been beyond my wildest dreams.”

The restaurant is discreetly located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area. Upon entering, Chef Trotter’s meticulous ways are immediately noticed in the unique and traditional décor. No detail is too small in creating a transcendent evening for their guests. Walking through the front door, you are greeted with the aromatic sweetness of magnificent floral and fruit arrangements and the serenity of the two story bar. Four dining rooms are presented in an elegant and functional style to enhance the evening’s presentations. It’s within these four walls that select ingredients, classic and rare wines, intertwine with ingenuity and spontaneity to create an orchestrated and harmonious display of flavors.  Chef Trotter likens his methodology to that of a musician, who plays a song differently every time. Like Miles Davis, who when he began to play the trumpet stated that he just got on the horn and played and played, Trotter’s implies the idea to his young cooks, that in order to be a great chef, one must taste and taste. The kitchen team produces three daily tasting menus: the Grand Menu, the Vegetable Menu and the Kitchen Table Menu. All are designed to highlight the finest seasonal ingredients and pristine product available. “It’s about a progression of flavors, each course laying the foundation for the next,” says Trotter. Unique to this experience, is that patrons are unaware of what will be on the menu during their visit. Rest assured though, as you are in good hands.

Charlie Trotter’s remains one of the world’s finest restaurants, having received an array of awards including the Mobil Five Star, AAA Five Diamond rating, multiple James Beard Foundation awards, and Wine Spectator’s coveted title of ‘The Best Restaurant in the World for Wine & Food’ (1998). Distinctions such as these can overwhelm diners, and perhaps even the idea of dining at Trotter’s is intimidating. However, the act of dining here happily is not.

Service is welcoming, friendly, yet formal enough to remind you that you are in the big-leagues. While delivering the menus, the service professionals, as they are so appropriately titled, deliver a brief introduction of how things work here. This particular visit found the kitchen in fine form. The grand menu began with the Kumamoto Oyster paired with Pink Guava and Celery, a rather genius way to prepare the palette.  This was followed by the Japanese Freshwater Eel accompanied with Roasted Banana and appropriate flavors of soy and cilantro. Mouth now salivating; we would continue with the Steamed Alaskan Sablefish with Kaffir Limes. We’d move on to the Roasted Squab Breast with Birch, Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Devil’s Club. The savory portion of this experience would conclude with the Lamb Loin partnered with Horseradish, Thumbelina Carrots, and Thyme. Desserts would include Clove Cream with Clementine and Sauternes Jelly, Poached Quince with Sesame Ice Cream and Rosemary Shortbread, and Oloroso Sherry-Raisin Ice Cream with Chocolate Cotton Cake, Dried Plums and Ennis Hazelnuts. Throughout this journey, I notice the precision used in the plated arrangements. Each course is refined yet approachable. Chef Trotter’s appreciation of the arts is evident in the pairing of textures and colors.  What makes Charlie Trotter’s stand apart is the equal measure of great food, an unrivaled wine program, service, and ambience, otherwise known to Trotter’s zealous followers as the ‘four pillars’.  Given the reputation and prices, an unprecedented experience every time is what each customer expects. Given my experiences at Trotter’s, you will not be disappointed. It’s this blend of the indispensable, unexpected, and imperceptible that makes each Charlie Trotter visit a choice among many – and a destination unto itself.

Beware of over saturating your wardrobe with single color trends

Belstaff Waxed Cotton Roadmaster Jacket, $550 Neiman-Marcus

This is the easiest way for the machine to victimize you.. The past couple seasons we saw the color gray reign all throughout collections. Almost every store displayed gray in their windows. At any given time there are at least four colors trends that are peaking. Diversify your color palette. Beware of over saturating your wardrobe with single color trends. Every man should have a wardrobe that contains an array of colors that compliment his skin tone. When you’re shopping, keep tabs on how much of each color you have. If you’ve only bought gray for the past couple seasons, chances are that your wardrobe will be left in the shade…

Beware of finishers

We’ve all seen it. The wet look, the waxed look. I’m talking about waxed pants, waxed jackets, waxed shoes, waxed bags, waxed sweaters. Special coatings are just an easy way for designers to get you to think differently about cheap fabrics. Often you’ll find that a $500 waxed jacket is made of cotton. In reality, a cotton jacket is a cotton jacket, with or without a waxed coating. Don’t let them trick you. Designers will try to justify the price of a cotton jacket by its finishing. You’d be better off investing in something more classic and durable, like a tailored leather jacket or a fine wool coat.

Invest in a pair of hard-bottomed shoes

Apron-toe Venetian, $550 Barneys New York

Because beautiful women like men who look like they have a job. Even if you don’t have a job, sporting a pair of slick, hard bottomed shoes makes you look like you have class. You will stand out amongst the sorry fellows wearing Air Jordan’s at the bar. You’ll be able to wear them to the bar, job interviews, weddings, ect. Be sure to choose neutral colors like black brown and beige. Powder blue is not an acceptable color for dress shoes.

Classic styles and neutral silhouettes will keep you fashionable longer

The trick to staying fashionable building a wardrobe of classic styles like khaki pants and dark blue denim paired with solid, striped, and patterned dress shirts. Be sure to choose neutral silhouettes, like straight leg or slim jeans. Avoid ultra skinny and ultra baggy pants because the fashion machine loves to tweak silhouettes, as it is one of the first ways the machine will get you to turn up your nose at your wardrobe. Keep this in mind, classic styles and neutral silhouettes will keep you fashionable longer.

Keep in mind that the fashion machine works by over emphasizing certain styles, colors, and patterns. It temporarily limits what is available for you to buy only to sell you something “slightly different” the next season. Don’t be a victim of the fashion machine! And always remember, there is a distinction between fashion and style. Fashion is dictated, style is purely personal. The challenge is being fashionable and while maintaining your personal style at the same time.